Initial experience with a dual-console robotic-assisted platform for training in colorectal surgery

Area of Science:

• Robotic Surgery
• Surgical Education
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Minimally invasive surgery offers patient benefits like shorter hospital stays and less blood loss.
• Robotic-assisted surgery enhances dexterity and ergonomics compared to laparoscopy.
• Limited data exists on the DaVinci Xi dual-console platform for resident training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the preliminary outcomes of introducing a dual-console robotic platform for resident training.
• To compare resident-performed dual-console procedures with trainer-performed single-console cases.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained patient database.
• Comparison of the first ten dual-console colorectal surgery cases performed by residents with matched single-console cases performed by trainers.
• Analysis of patient demographics, operative times, and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in console time or total operative time between residents and trainers.
• Equivalent patient outcomes, including length of stay, morbidity, and mortality.
• Twenty patients were included in the study.

Conclusions:

• The DaVinci Xi dual-console platform is a safe and effective tool for training junior surgeons.
• This dual-console system may significantly impact future surgical training pathways.
• Outcomes suggest equivalence between resident and trainer performance on the dual-console platform.